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Fishing is a fun activity enjoyed by adults and teenagers and is an excellent way to bond with friends and family. While that is true, fishing can get boring when you sit for long hours without catching anything.
Due to the monotonous nature of fishing activity, many people avoid indulging in it. But with more advanced technology taking over the world, fishing is making a comeback with fish finders making the activity easier to enjoy.
Choosing the right fish finder can be overwhelming with all the great options out there. Below, we’ve reviewed some of the finest fish finders in 2024. Grab yours and get out on the water today!
A lightweight and beginner-friendly device, Lowrance’s smaller screen and phone-like interface make for an easy setup and easy-to-use device. This product offers a wider sonar coverage that is nearly double the one provided by standard fish finders. It features an auto-tuning sonar with automated settings to make fishing easier, and the transducer is adjustable to your fishing situation. As a result, you can spend more time enjoying catching fish instead of tampering with the device’s settings.
In addition, this device’s keypad is optimized for one-touch access to the key features of the device. I love how this fish finder is designed with convenience in mind. In fact, we think that its convenience, effectiveness, and price are so great that we’re awarding it the best overall fish finder in 2023.
The Garmin Striker 4 Fish Finder is a GPS-enabled device with a worldwide map and has a 3.5-inch LCD screen for better and clearer visibility. Featuring a scanning sonar, it shows a clear image of whatever is inside the water. With its sonar, you’ll see a detailed underwater image up to the depth of 1,600 feet in freshwater and 750 feet in saltwater.
This fish tracker also features a Chirp transducer that offers a wider range of information, separating fishing targets carefully from their surroundings. Its interface also has buttons for easy controllability and accessibility, so you do not have to waste time searching for the desired option. Another plus, with an IPX7 water rating, you won’t have to worry about this fish finder drowning in water as it can be submerged for up to 30 minutes without concern.
The Deeper START Fish Finder is a compact, battery-powered fish finder made of plastic that is castable for amazing environmental awareness. Available in super-vibrant orange/black colors, with this device, you won’t have to worry about wires or external batteries as it generates its own WiFi and does not require internet or mobile data.
This device comes with the free casting app, which elevates user experience by providing additional insight into a fish’s location, size, bottom contour, water depth, and surrounding greenery. This device also features automatic night fishing mode and saves scans based on time and location to help you learn more about your fishing environment. If you enjoy dock fishing like I do, this is a wonderful device that will improve your results for sure.
Our next fish finder by Humminbird is an amazing device that is sure to help you spot fish and increase the size of your catch. This finder features a slanted display and grayscale color TFT screen, meaning that those who fish in the direct sun will be able to view the screen and information without an issue. Besides the display, this device has a dual-beam sonar which means better awareness of where fish are in your area. In total, this package comes with the fish finder, power cable, transducer, mount, and gimbal mounting bracket.
Our last fish finder by Eyoyo departs from the traditional fish finder formula since it actually uses a camera instead of sonar technology to help you spot fish. This machine drops a camera that has bait that attracts fish in order for you to be able to see how many fish are in the area. You’ll be able to see said fish very clearly due to the accompanying seven-inch TFT-colored screen with picture-perfect quality. And with this fish finder’s extensive battery, you can easily do so all day.
What if I fish at night or in dark waters? Well, Eyoyo has thought of that since this camera can overcome those concerns using infrared light. Fish may not appear as colorful in the dark, but your sure will be able to spot them. That’s something I love to hear since I like fishing in different environments and at different times of the day. This device really makes fishing fun!
Fish finders are technical gadgets that use sonar to detect fish and inform users where they are in deep waters. How do they do this? First, sonar units emit high-frequency sound waves into the water. These waves bounce off solid structures in their path, and the sonar units collect the “bounced” sound waves. After collecting these returning waves, the sonar unit processes them using a small computer which then translates data into a visual representation, so you can view it on a screen. This image doesn’t remain static since the sonar continues to broadcast sound waves and process returned waves continuously.
You can find a variety of fish finders on the market and online. Some commonly available fish finders include conventional fish finders, dual GPS fish finders, castable fish finders, and flashers.
Conventional fish finders collect data about what’s present underwater with sonar. These fish finders are incredibly basic but get the job done for most people. The combined GPS fish finder is a more expensive device but is ideal for those who need to navigate larger bodies of water while fishing. Similarly, flashers are upgraded fish finders that also detail depth and seafloor (or lake floor) information. Finally, castable fish finders can be attached to the end of a fishing line and cast into the water. There they emit waves into the water and locate fish from a distance.
Fish finders all differ from one another in one other major area. Let’s talk about that next.
Fish finders feature different types of sonar. Below, you will find some of the common types of sonar to help you learn more about these technologies:
Traditional sonar is also called 2D sonar. This basic sonar pings in a cone and displays whatever comes into the cone’s view on a screen. Its screen can also scroll left and right to identify new data. If you’re like me and appreciate a little help but don’t expect technology to define your success, a fish finder with this sonar time isn’t a bad idea.
Unlike the set frequency (83 kHz) of a traditional sonar, the CHIRP transmits varying frequencies between 70 to 100 kHz. This means it is an advanced transducer that produces more pronounced sound energy, which delivers better results compared to its counterparts.
With imaging sonar, you can enjoy two types of imaging. These vary from side imaging (where a narrow beam is pinged to sides) and down imaging (where a narrow beam is pinged straight down). With imaging sonar, you can see fish and structures even in a moving boat.
The 360 sonar is a valuable fishing tool that has remained unappreciated for a long time. This amazing technology allows you to see a full-circle image of what is in front and all-around your boat using a small, rotating side imaging transducer. The rotating transducer may mean images come and go. but because this happens quickly, you effectively see all around you without any real blindspots.
The latest of the sonar types is live sonar. Forward-facing live sonar is currently making its way onto the market, and newer fish finders are incorporating it to elevate the fishing experience. We think live sonar devices are a great choice for hardcore fishers.
Keep the following factors in mind when purchasing a fish finder to get the one that fulfills your requirements without breaking the bank:
The primary function of a fish finder is to determine the number and locations of your potential fishy targets as accurately as possible using sonar. That means that you don’t want to waste your money on an inaccurate machine or on a machine that will become inaccurate over time. All other features are second to accuracy. That means only after a machine is confirmed to be accurate should you consider other features of a device. How do you know if your machine is accurate? To conduct an extensive quality check, simply check the cone angle and examine its transducer.
When purchasing a fish finder, the first thing to consider how easy it is to use. That means you need to invest in the one that you can utilize to its full potential, which means you should keep your fishing knowledge in mind and avoid getting an overly complex and technical device.
There are some fish fingers that come with more automatic features to make their use easy. If you have a beginner to intermediate level of fishing tech knowledge, you should consider a fish finder that boasts automatic features. I personally would choose a fish finder that does as much work for me as possible. I’m not a very technical guy, so I like to rely on my devices for the best results.
Fish finders should have GPS to improve their accuracy. You can use this feature to download maps or underwater topography and mark points for return. Besides GPS, if a fish finder also offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, that’s always a plus. These features improve the usability of a fish finder and help catch more fish in less time.
Another essential feature to look for in a fish finder is water resistance. Since you are going to use it on a boat and in the water, a fish finder should be water-resistant, or it will be useless. Make sure you check the JIS or IPX rating for the fish finders before purchasing. Be certain to avoid devices that aren’t water resistant. I can recall a few times when I bought a device that wasn’t water-resistant and lived to regret it.
You can find built-in GPS or phone GPS integration in most modern fish finders to enhance their functionality and improve your overall fishing experience. Many cheaper fish finders do not invest in a GPS.
Down imaging technology is an exciting feature that allows transducers to emit beams directly under your boat. This gives you a fish-eye view of what can be seen underwater. This type of imaging in fish finders is relatively helpful for those who indulge in deepwater fishing.
If you are a regular fishing enthusiast, a fish finder can prove to be highly beneficial for you. This device can enhance the fishing experience and let you enjoy fishing without wasting time.
Generally speaking, you’ll know your fish finder needs replacement the moment you notice it isn’t loading as fast as it was. Other signs include inaccurate tracking, a dimming screen, or the battery not holding its charge as long.
No, they are not. Because not all of them are waterproof (usually the display), you’ll want to make sure you check the product details prior to purchasing. Too much water exposure can result in your fish finder malfunctioning, and if you know you’ll be working on a boat, it’s recommended to buy a waterproof variation off the bat to avoid complications.
Absolutely! Due to their sonar technology, fish finders are able to track fish in even the muddiest of water sources. This makes them a perfect fit for those looking to fish at lakes with muddier bottoms and deeper ocean depths. If you’re concerned about how far down your fish finder can provide accurate detection, simply check the product details for this information.
As it goes with any electronic device, you’ll want to avoid applying too much cleaning spray. Spray your choice of disinfectant on a dry cloth, wipe down your device, and pat it dry afterwards.
SAIL Magazine Review Team reports on best-selling products in sailing and boating. The SAIL Magazine editorial staff is not involved in the creation of this content. SAIL Magazine is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The SAIL Review Team is composed of authors, editors, and sailors. Artificial Intelligence (large language models) may have been used in the research and creation of the content.
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